Is general anesthetic safe? I am terrified!

I put a down payment to get the tops of my ears fixed it will be a few months before I pay it off, I picked an amazing surgeon I met through this site that I am completely comfortable with but I was hoping it could be done with local anesthetic instead of general I have never gone under and I am terrified, I usually like to be in control of my body so I guess I'm terrified to let go and then upon waking up I'm dreading that I may feel nauseous! Is going under that bad?!

Doctor Answers 6

Otoplasty. General anesthesia vs Local anesthesia

September 16th, 2016

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Hi. We only perform an otoplasty under general anesthesia on patients under 15 years or in case a patient specially ask for a general anesthesia. A local anesthesia is safer than a general anesthesia. Nevertheless, the general anesthesia is very safe too, only that the costs for the surgery will increase significantly. I recommend you to let your plastic surgeon know about your concerns and I am sure He/she will be able to give you more information.

General anesthesia

September 7th, 2016

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General anesthesia is usually well tolerated in a healthy patient. I would review your concerns with your surgeon and make sure you have an up to date history and physical so you can review any potential health concerns. I would also review with your physician if you have any family members who have had difficulty undergoing general anesthesia. These are important questions to review before surgery. As with anything, proper planning is the key to a successful surgery, this includes the anesthesia administration. Best of luck!

otoplasty procedure

September 7th, 2016

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In our practice, we perform most otoplasty procedures under local anesthesia, not general anesthesia unless the patient specifically requests it. This also saves the patient a significant amount of money, because the board certified physician anesthesiologist is not necessary. For more information and many examples, please see the link and the video below

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General Anesthesia is one of the safest medical procedures

September 7th, 2016

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In adults otoplasty can be performed under any type of anesthesia, between pure local to sedation to general. It's a patient's and doctor preference, and should be discussed before surgery. General anesthesia in a healthy individual is a very safe procedure, being uneventful almost always.

Anesthesia Safety

September 7th, 2016

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Anesthesia techniques are very safe in the modern era. For the healthy patient, sedation is as "safe" as local anesthesia, and general anesthesia in the right hands is very safe. I would discuss these concerns with your Surgeon for reassurance and anxiety relieving solutions such as perioperative valium.

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.